Mile News

Cain Readies for Nationals & Beyond

June 24, 2014

"I’m welcoming the idea that people will be thinking of me as Mary Cain the professional, not Mary Cain the high schooler.”

By Marc Bloom, Running Times

Poised to run her first major race of the outdoor season in this weekend’s USA Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, California, Mary Cain will compete as a new woman. After graduating from Bronxville (New York) High School last Saturday, Cain, lining up in Friday’s first round of the 1500m, will be making the transition from prodigy to professional.

Of course, Cain, 18, is already a pro, and has been since last fall. But as a high school student living at home with her family support system and, as she put it, “Mom making my lunch,” Cain has been something of a sheltered professional.

She’s ready to let go. “I’m excited about it,” Cain said on June 14 in New York after placing fourth in the adidas Grand Prix 800m, a tune-up for nationals. “I’m never one to shy away from competition or working hard,” she said and smiled. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun when you get cheers for being a little kid. But if I wanted to be babied, I would not have gone pro. I’m welcoming the idea that people will be thinking of me as Mary Cain the professional, not Mary Cain the high schooler.”

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